Mahan is a San Fran certainty

PGA NOTES

Published 4:00 am, Saturday, August 15, 2009

Fred Couplesleft no room for misinterpretation. As his Presidents Cup team begins to take shape - 10 of the 12 players will be determined Sunday - Couples saved a spot for Hunter Mahan, who starred in last year's U.S. victory in the Ryder Cup.

Mahan stands No. 12 on the points list. Only the top 10 after this PGA Championship automatically earn a trip to San Francisco in October, but Couples, the U.S. captain, already is plotting his two at-large choices.

"I'm going to pick Hunter even if he doesn't make it (automatically), I guarantee you that," Couples said. "He plays well every week."

Mahan actually struggled Friday, shooting 75, but he still reached the weekend in contention at the PGA (tied for 13th). Justin Leonard, Mahan and Lucas Gloverare grappling for the final Presidents Cup spot, with Leonard currently holding the edge.

Lefty survives: Phil Mickelsonflirted with missing the cut after another 74 left him at 4-over-par. The projected cutline was 2-over at the time, but whipping winds battered players in the afternoon, sending scores higher and allowing Mickelson to advance.

He still sounded in no frame of mind to rise into contention in the final two rounds. Mickelson needed 33 putts Friday, after 34 Thursday. He missed a 3-footer on No. 1 (his 10th hole) - has any elite player missed more short putts? - and again bemoaned his rustiness on the greens.

"I'm not going to beat many people putting the way I am," he said. "I've got to get this thing turned around."

Scott shot 82-79 and probably squandered any chance of making the Presidents Cup. (He began the week No. 13 on the International list). Scott stood No. 3 in the world rankings in June 2008, but has fallen to No. 46.